Plasmid capable of expressing human growth hormone

Abstract

Described are methods and means for the construction and microbial expression of quasi-synthetic genes arising from the combination of organic synthesis and enzymatic reverse transcription from messenger RNA sequences incomplete from the standpoint of the desired protein product. Preferred products of expression lack bio-inactivating leader sequences common in eukaryotic expression products but problematic with regard to microbial cleavage to yield bioactive material. Illustrative is a preferred embodiment in which a gene coding for human growth hormone (useful in, e.g., treatment of hypopituitary dwarfism) is constructed and expressed.

We claim: 
     
       1. A replicable bacterial plasmid which, in a transformant bacterium, will express a gene for human growth hormone unaccompanied by the human growth hormone leader sequence or other extraneous protein bound thereto. 
     
     
       2. A plasmid according to claim 1 whose human growth hormone-encoding gene comprises in substantial proportion cDNA or a replication thereof. 
     
     
       3. A plasmid according to claim 2 which exhibits resistance to at least one antibiotic. 
     
     
       4. A plasmid according to claim 3 which lacks the tet promoter yet exhibits tetracycline resistance. 
     
     
       5. A plasmid according to claim 4 in which the human growth hormone-encoding gene is under the control of tandem lac promoters. 
     
     
       6. The plasmid pHGH107. 
     
     
       7. The plasmid pHGH107-1.